The comments came after Mansfield District Council rejected Mr Radford’s plans to build a hotel on the site of the old bus station on Rosemary Street. 

Earlier this month, it was revealed that Mr Radford had submitted a bid for a new hotel on the former bus station site, but a day later the council released a statement noting that Mr Radford’s proposal was “not the preferred bid”.

Mr Radford told Mansfield Town supporters – via the club’s website – that he was “bitterly disappointed” that his plans for a new hotel had been held back.

“It was an exciting project for our local area and the football club and I pledged to keep our supporters and the people of Mansfield abreast with developments and will continue to do so whenever possible.”

Mr Radford clarified that he initially met with the local mayor on 30^th January 2017 to discuss initial proposals for a new hotel at the One Call Stadium.

“A subsequent meeting was held with the mayor and council more recently on 19^th September.

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“At this meeting, I was persuaded that it was in the best interests of the town to build a hotel on the site of the old bus station.

“After paying fees for architects and surveyors, I was both surprised and disappointed that my bid had been rejected.

“In truth, it feels like I may have been led up the garden path.”

Mr Radford has invested £8m into Mansfield Town since taking over the football club and felt that an internationally branded hotel aligned with his plans for the club would help make it self-sufficient, which added to his disappointment.

“I have made a firm commitment to our football club and will continue to invest in the Stags [Mansfield Town].  

“It must be said, though, that it is the prerogative of Mansfield District Council to make a decision of this nature and I am sure they have their own reasons for choosing another bidder, which will no doubt be made known to the public in due course. 

“I will now carefully consider whether it is in the interests of both the town and the football club to advance initial proposals of building a hotel at One Call Stadium and will continue to update our supporters and the people of Mansfield if and when possible.”